Herbs, Supplements, and Vitamins for RA: Benefits and Uses

Do you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Then you might be able to get relief with herbs, supplements and vitamins. This article discusses how.

Should you try herbs, supplements, and vitamins?

Before your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prescription medication reaches your hands, it’s gone through medical research. It’s also gone through clinical trials and its effectiveness and safety have been proven and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA doesn’t currently approve dietary supplements including herbs, minerals, and vitamins. But some people do report temporary relief from their RA symptoms when using some complementary therapies.

The complementary treatments covered in this guide shouldn’t replace your current medications. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbs, supplements, or vitamins. Some remedies can cause serious side effects or cause a dangerous interaction with your current medications.

Also be sure to check you’re purchasing these products from reputable sources. Talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider about how to find high-quality products.

These 8 supplements have shown evidence of benefits

Borage oil (Borago officinalis)

What does it do? Borago officinalis, also known as starflower, is a seed that has gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that’s thought to help RA by reducing inflammation.

Does it work? Some older studies show that borage seed oil may help RA symptoms. A study in 2001 found that borage oil reduced RA activity.

An older study from 1993 of 37 people with RA found that use of borage oil containing 1.4 grams of GLA reduced joint pain and the number of tender joints by 36 percent and the number of swollen joints by 28 percent.

In a 2014 clinical trial, taking borage oil containing 1.8 grams of GLA reduced symptoms of RA. Some people were able to reduce their use of other RA medications, too.

Side effects include diarrhea or loose stools, burping, bloating, and nausea. Talk to your doctor before taking the supplement.

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum spp.)

What does it do? Cayenne pepper has a long history of medicinal use as a digestive aid. Today it’s used more widely to treat pain. The active substance, capsaicin, blocks your nerve cells against a chemical that sends pain messages.

Does it work? This herb is a known topical treatment for reducing pain. A review of capsaicin recognized that higher concentrations (8 percent) could help with pain management. There are several over-the-counter drug products that contain 0.025 percent to 0.1 percent that may also be effective for reducing pain.

It will begin to help right away but can take a couple of weeks to take full effect. Consuming cayenne peppers are also recommended as part of your anti-inflammatory diet.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

What does it do? Cat’s claw originates in the South American rainforests. Scientists have investigated the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties for its effectiveness in relieving joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness.

Does it work? One older trial studied the effectiveness of cat’s claw on RA and found that 53 percent of participants taking the supplements reported decreased pain compared to 24 percent of the placebo group.

The participants took cat’s claw alongside their medications. Larger studies are still needed to confirm the benefits of cat’s claw.

Dosage: The Arthritis Foundation recommends 250 to 350 mg of the capsules every day for immune support.

Cat’s claw produces very few side effects. Some people report upset digestion. Other side effects can include:

headache

dizziness

nausea

Evening primrose (Onagraceae)

What does it do? Evening primrose is a common herbal medicine used for many conditions, from RA to menstrual concerns. This wildflower has 7 to 10 GLA, the same fatty acid that makes borage oil effective. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Does it work? Evening primrose oil is rich in GLA, which helps reduce inflammation. But studies on evening primrose and RA are older, and research isn’t conclusive. Studies have had mixed results.

Dosage: You can take 540 mg of this oil every day.

It may take six months to feel the full benefits of taking evening primrose oil. Evening primrose oil may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and rashes. Don’t take this oil if you have epilepsy.

Fish oil

What does it do? Omega-3 fatty acids, the primary component in fish oil, are healthy fats that your body needs. Omega-3s may help prevent chronic inflammation and ease symptoms associated with arthritis pain. Fish high in omega-3 include herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna.

Does it work? A 2013 study found taking fish oil resulted in greater remission rates of RA symptoms than in a control group that didn’t take fish oil. There are many other health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s hard to get enough fish oil from food alone.

At least one older study found that taking fish oil could reduce morning joint stiffness and decrease the number of painful or tender joints. Some people who take fish oil can also reduce their use of anti-inflammatory medications.

Dosage: The Arthritis Foundation recommends 2.6 grams of fish oil twice per day. But more than 3 grams of fish oil per day may increase your risk for bleeding. In general, two servings of fish a week are recommended.

Talk to your doctor if you’re taking anticoagulants. Pregnant women should avoid eating too much fish as it could contain dangerous levels of mercury.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

What does it do? Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine for over four thousand years. The active ingredient in it is curcumin. It’s been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which can help with decreasing RA swelling and tenderness.

Does it work? According to this analysis of eight clinical studies, 500 mg of turmeric twice daily reduced joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage: You can introduce turmeric into your diet through teas, curries, and as a spice. It’s also available as a supplement called curcumin. Doses used in studies were 500 mg twice per day. Curcumin is generally safe and low in toxicity.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

What does it do? Ginger is a common herb people use to treat everything from colds and digestion to migraines and hypertension. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory effects that are similar to ibuprofen.

Does it work? Evidence for ginger as a medication for RA continues to be researched. A 2014 study suggested that ginger has the potential to help RA symptoms. It may also have additional protective effects on the joints.

Dosage: The fresh root is available in grocery stores and can be brewed into tea. You can drink up to four cups of ginger tea per day. It can also be easily found in supplement form.

People who take blood thinners or who have gallstones should not take ginger due to risk of unwanted side effects.

Green tea

What does it do? Beyond being a tasty beverage, green tea is a centuries-old herbal remedy high in antioxidants. It’s traditionally been used as a diuretic to promote digestion and improve heart health.

A 2015 study on rats found that green tea may have an active compound that reduces inflammation and swelling. Green tea is high in catechins, a compound with antirheumatic activity.

Does it work? Research from 2016 looked at people with RA who drank green tea for six months. The participants also took part in a moderately intensive exercise program where they walked on a treadmill for 45 to 60 minutes three times a day.

The study found that green tea and exercise were effective in decreasing RA symptoms.

Dosage: Drink four to six cups of green tea per day.

Always check with a doctor before introducing green tea into your diet. Green tea is known to have negative interactions with some medications.

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Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

What does it do? Celery seed has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from colds, digestion, and arthritis, to conditions related to the liver and spleen. Today it’s used mainly as a diuretic.

Does it work? It has gained some support as an effective treatment for arthritis and gout, but there haven’t been any human trials conducted.

Researchers conducted rat studies in 2014 that showed celery seed extract had an anti-inflammatory effect. A dose of 100 mg per kilogram (mg/kg) of celery seed extract had an effect similar to 300 mg/kg of aspirin.

Dosage: Ask your doctor about the dosage for celery seed extract. It’s possible for it to interact with medications you’re taking. You’ll also want to keep celery seed oil out of a child’s reach.

Quercetin

What does it do? This plant-based flavonoid is responsible for giving many flowers, fruits, and vegetables their color. Quercetin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may benefit those with RA.

Does it work? Researchers suggested in a 2013 study that quercetin can help regulate inflammation reactions and may be a potential drug for RA. A 2015 study designed to measure the effects of quercetin dosages found that quercetin reduced molecules involved with inflammation.

Dosage: People with RA found benefits when they took 1,500 mg of quercetin with 100 mg of azathioprine. Talk to your doctor before mixing supplements with medication. Although quercetin has few side effects, it may interact with some medications.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

What does it do? This Mediterranean shrub has been widely used as a food spice and fragrance in cosmetics. Rosemary has also been praised for its medicinal benefits like relieving muscle pain and treating indigestion. Rosemary contains antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Does it work? A 2005 pilot trial looked at the effects of a treatment that had rosemary extract. People with RA took 440 mg of the drug three times per day for four weeks.

Results found a 40 to 50 percent decrease in pain. However, this was a study of multiple ingredients and it can’t be determined what effect, if any, was related to rosemary.

Dosage: You can try applying rosemary oil topically. But you should talk to your doctor before trying rosemary as a supplement.

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King of bitters (Andrographis)

What does it do? The king of bitters plant is native to Asia and is widely cultivated. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It’s been used in traditional medicine to treat upper respiratory infections, infectious diseases, and fevers.

Does it work? Research shows that this herb has potential to treat RA symptoms. A 2009 study found that people who took the herb reported some improvement in swollen joints and mobility.

But compared to the placebo, there was no statistical difference. Larger-scale and longer studies are needed to confirm this herb’s effectiveness.

Dosage: This herbal remedy can be found most readily in tablet form. The study above had people take 30 mg three times per day. Potential side effects include headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii)

What does it do? Thunder god vine is native to China, Japan, and Korea. The extract, which comes from the root of this plant, is supposed to reduce pain and inflammation.

Dosage: As with aspirin, willow bark can interact with certain drugs, including anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants. Willow bark can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Always talk to your doctor before taking willow bark.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

What does it do? The scrubby tree Boswellia serrata is native to India and Pakistan. It has a long history of medicinal use.

The bark, also known as Indian frankincense, produces a sticky resin that has anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acids are thought to interfere with leukotrienes, which cause inflammation in the body.

Does it work? There’s little scientific evidence to show boswellia is effective for people with RA. There have been no human trials yet.

Researchers have only conducted laboratory and animal studies. But The British Medical Journal reviewed relevant studies and noted the herb shows promise for RA.

Dosage: You can take boswellia as a capsule or tablet. The Arthritis Foundation recommends 300 to 400 mg three times per day. Talk to your doctor before trying this supplement.

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus)

What does it do? Green-lipped mussel is native to New Zealand and can be used as a nutritional supplement. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

Does it work? Study results are mixed on its effectiveness. Some claim the supplement has no effect on relieving RA pain, while the Arthritis Foundation highlighted several trials where taking green-lipped mussel reduced pain.

Dosage: The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking 300 to 350 mg three times per day. Green-lipped mussel may be healing to the stomach. So, it can be an alternative for those who can’t take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because of ulcer-causing effects.

People with seafood allergies should avoid this supplement.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)

What does it do? The bark of the South American evergreen tree has been traditionally used to treat arthritis, fever, and different cancers. Anecdotal reports have identified anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Does it work? There have been no human studies on its effect on arthritis pain. How it works is only starting to be understood. A study in 2016 found this bark had significant effects on inflammation responses.

Dosage: Pau d’arco can be taken as a supplement pill, dried bark tea, or a tincture made with alcohol. Taken in large amounts, Pau d’arco can be toxic.

Talk with your doctor before taking Pau d’arco. There haven’t been enough studies to understand its toxicity and effects.

Rehmannia or Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa)

What does it do? Chinese foxglove is an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s used to treat conditions including asthma and RA.

Chinese foxglove is rich in amino acids and vitamins A, B, and C. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also be effective in reducing joint pain and swelling.

Does it work? There aren’t any major studies to support whether it works. Because it’s often added to other herbs, researchers have difficulty pinpointing Chinese foxglove as effective.

Dosage: There have been very few human studies showing Chinese foxglove is a safe and effective treatment. You should talk to your doctor before trying this herb.

Supplements to avoid

The Arthritis Foundation recommends avoiding these supplements due to their potentially dangerous side effects:

The following remedies aren’t directly meant for RA symptoms. But they may still benefit your health.

Bromelain

What does it do? Bromelain is an active enzyme found in pineapples. This enzyme has anti-inflammatory effects that can help with indigestion and pain relief.

Bromelain’s primary use is to reduce inflammation caused by infection. It may also help arthritis pain, swelling, and mobility.

Does it work? A 2015 study on rats shows pineapple juice can decrease inflammation. But there are no new studies on bromelain and its effect on RA in humans.

Dosage: The Arthritis Foundation recommends 500 to 2000 mg of bromelain supplements three times per day between meals. Avoid bromelain supplements if you have pineapple allergies or are taking blood thinners.

Calcium

What does it do? Many RA medications contribute to bone loss (osteoporosis) or increase your risk of bone loss. Inactivity from inflammation and pain can also cause bone health to deteriorate.

Does it work? Calcium supplements aren’t meant to treat pain. They help your body maintain bone density and reduce the likelihood of having a bone break. Dark green leafy vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and calcium-fortified beverages should all be part of a daily diet.

Dosage: Your recommended daily intake of calcium should be no more than 1,200 mg unless directed by a doctor. The Arthritis Foundation recommends small doses of calcium supplements — around 500 mg — since that’s all your body can absorb at a time. The rest can come from your diet.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium supplements, especially if you have excess calcium in your blood. Some side effects include gas, constipation, and bloating.

Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)

What does it do? Chamomile tea is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties and sedative effects. Taken internally, chamomile may be effective at healing sore or irritated skin.

It may also improve:

inflammation

insomnia

rheumatic pain

gastrointestinal disorders

Does it work? There are only lab studies about chamomile tea and RA. One lab study found that chamomile has an inflammatory effect on tumor necrosis factor and interleukin.

These two compounds are associated with RA inflammation. A 2013 lab study on chamomile tea and RA suggested that it had potential as a pain reliever.

Dosage: It’s recommended to drink seven to eight cups of tea throughout the day to prevent against infections. Chamomile has low toxicity. People who are allergic to ragweed and chrysanthemums may want to avoid chamomile.

Vitamin D

What does it do? Vitamin D significantly contributes to joint and bone health. It also helps to regulate calcium metabolism in the body.

Does it work? According to a 2012 study, low levels of vitamin D can contribute to the onset and progression of RA symptoms. The more significant the deficiency, the more severe RA symptoms could be.

Dosage: Making sure you get outside in the sunshine may help. But being outdoors isn’t enough to provide the body with its daily vitamin D requirement. Food sources of vitamin D include salmon, canned tuna fish, and fortified milk, or you can speak to your doctor about a supplement.

Takeaway

The biggest point to take away is that all of the supplements listed need more research. All of them need better evidence before they can be solidly recommended for RA.

Talk with your doctor before adding a new vitamin, supplement, or herb to your treatment plan. They can ensure there are no side effects or interactions that you’ll want to avoid.

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The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition. While we try to update our content often, medical information changes rapidly. Therefore, some information may be out of date. All images are copyright protected and must not be reproduced in any manner.